New Brunswick, Canada-born singer and songwriter Julian Austin started his professional career by performing in bars when he was still in his teens. Popular artists like Tracy Lawrence, Alan Jackson, and George Strait all influenced Austin's rock-flavored style of country music. After a rough childhood and some days of working the rodeo circuit as an honest to goodness bull rider, which earned him a few broken ribs and some scars to remember the adventure by, Austin settled into the role of a county singer. He first impressed audiences as the leader of a group called the Austinators. In 1997, Austin, living in Calgary at the time, went solo with the debut album What My Heart Already Knows. Tracks like "Diamond," "Little Ol' Kisses," and "Hard Time Lovin' You" made the release a fan favorite. A 14-track sophomore album, Back in Your Life, followed. Austin added his own songwriting talents to almost every tune on the album. In 2000, Austin's career began to pick up speed; he won Canadian Country Artists of the Year from the RPM Big Country Awards; his music video for the tune "Forever Loving You," earned air play on CMT; he also landed nominations from the Canadian Country Music Association for Best Single, Song, Video, and Album. When not busy recording or touring, Austin lends his time and talent to worthy foundations like Camp Trillium, Children's Wish, Alberta Sick Kids Hospital, and the Canadian Professional Rodeo Sport Medicine Association. ~ Charlotte Dillon